Wondering what sets a low taper haircut apart from a high taper? Simply put, it’s where the fade starts on your head. A low taper begins just above the ears and neck, creating a subtle, neat fade. A high taper starts much higher – near the temples or crown – giving a bold, dramatic contrast. Below is a quick overview of the key differences:
- Low Taper: Fade starts around the ear line; clean, understated look.
- High Taper: Fade starts near the temples or crown; sharp, high-contrast look.
- Appearance: Low tapers blend gradually and look versatile; high tapers are edgy and attention-grabbing.
- Maintenance: Low tapers grow out slowly (touch-ups ~3–4 weeks); high tapers need trims ~2–3 weeks apart.
- Style Fit: Low tapers suit classic or professional styles; high tapers work for trendy, bold looks or to reduce bulk in thick hair.
This guide will walk you through each style (with pictures), explain their pros and cons, and help you choose the right taper for your face, hair, and lifestyle – all with insights from barbers and style experts.
What Is a Low Taper Haircut?
A low taper haircut is a smooth fade that starts just above the ears and continues down toward the neckline. It gradually shortens the hair on the sides without cutting off too much length all at once. In practical terms, the hair near the ear is very slightly shorter, blending cleanly into the longer hair on top.
Low tapers feel very versatile and understated. They work with almost any top style – from a slicked-back pompadour to a messy fringe – while keeping the sides tidy. That means you get a clean, professional look that isn’t too flashy. It’s great if you want something sharp but still conservative enough for an office or formal setting.
- Pros: A low taper is low-maintenance and universally flattering. It blends gently, so you can go longer between cuts; many guys find they only need a barber visit every 3–4 weeks. It also complements many face shapes: for round or square faces it adds length and definition, and for oval faces it simply looks neat. Low tapers are versatile and subtle, making them ideal for classic or professional looks.
- Cons: Because it’s so gentle, a low taper might not stand out as much as a high taper. The fade is very gradual, so it won’t “wow” like a really bold cut. Also, when it grows out, you can see the regrowth of hair more quickly, meaning you’ll want touch-ups to keep that edge clean. In short, a low taper is about finesse, not drama.
Personal note: I’ve tried low tapers myself. I found that my hair (which is slightly wavy) looked neat with very little effort. It really adds some neatness and structure without demanding constant styling. It’s the kind of cut you can sleep on and still look pretty polished the next day – perfect for busy mornings.
Also Read – Low Taper vs Mid Taper
What Is a High Taper Haircut?
A high taper haircut is the bolder cousin of the low taper. Here, the fade starts higher up on the head – around the temples or crown. This means the sides are cut very short relatively soon after the top. The result is a strong contrast between the long hair on top and the short sides, giving a sharp, modern look.
High tapers are eye-catching. They can add height and a well-defined shape. For men with thick or curly hair, a high taper can even be game-changing: it removes bulk on the sides and makes the top much easier to style.
- Pros: A high taper creates a bold look. It’s perfect if you love contemporary styles or want to stand out. You can pair it with trendy cuts like buzz cuts, crew cuts, or undercuts, and the fade will really accentuate the shape. If your goal is an edgy, fashion-forward hairstyle, a high taper delivers. It also plays well with facial hair. Plus, it’s great for thick hair – a high taper can lighten the load on a thick mane, making it more manageable.
- Cons: On the flip side, a high taper takes commitment. Because the fade is so extreme, any regrowth is very noticeable. Many people recommend getting a trim every 2–3 weeks. It’s also not the best fit for very conservative settings. And it can expose more scalp: if you have thin hair or are self-conscious about a very short side, a high taper might not be ideal. In short: you get the standout look of a high taper, but you’ll likely visit the barber more often and need confidence to pull it off.
Personal note: One of our barber friends recently sported a high taper with a curly top. He loved how it made his hairstyle look sharp and clean. He joked that he had to book appointments more often, but he didn’t mind – the cut looked that good.
Key Differences: Low vs High Taper
Below is a quick comparison of the main differences between low and high taper haircuts. In every case, the only thing that changes is where on your head the sides start to fade:
- Starting Point: A low taper begins right around the ear and neckline. A high taper begins higher – typically around the temples or crown.
- Fade Appearance: Low tapers create a subtle, gradual fade. High tapers have a dramatic fade – the top hair looks much longer compared to the high sides.
- Overall Look: With a low taper you get a classic, business-friendly vibe. With a high taper you get a trendy, edgy vibe.
- Face Shape Effects: High tapers add height and sharpen the face. Low tapers make the hairline fade slowly, which can soften square jaws.
- Hair Type Suitability: Thick or curly hair benefits from a high taper. Straight or fine hair works well with a low taper.
- Maintenance: Low tapers are easier to maintain – you can often go 3–4 weeks between cuts. High tapers require more upkeep (about every 2–3 weeks).
Choosing the Right Taper for You
- Personal Style: If your daily look is classic or you prefer timeless styles, a low taper is a safe bet. It blends with a business suit or a casual look. If you love modern trends and want to stand out, try a high taper.
- Face Shape: For round faces, a high taper can add height, making your face appear slimmer. For square faces, a low taper can soften sharp edges, while a high taper will emphasize the jawline. Oval faces are lucky: either taper works well. Heart and diamond shapes often benefit from keeping a bit more hair on top, but if you want more width at the temples, a high taper can do that too.
- Hair Type: If your hair is very thick or curly, a high taper is often recommended. It removes bulk on the sides and keeps the style looking sharp. If your hair is straight or fine, a low taper can give you clean lines without revealing too much scalp. Also consider length on top: buzz cuts or crew cuts pair nicely with a high taper, while medium-length styles often look balanced with a low taper.
- Lifestyle: Think about how much maintenance you want. Low tapers are low-maintenance – they don’t show scruff as quickly. High tapers demand frequent trims if you want to keep that crisp contrast. Also consider your work environment. In creative or casual environments, a high taper can express more personality.
Taper vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?
It’s worth clarifying how tapers relate to fades, since the terms are often confused. In barber lingo, a taper means the hair is gradually shortened as it goes down the sides and back, but usually doesn’t go completely to the skin. A fade usually means the hair is cut all the way down to the skin at some point. Tapers aren’t as dramatic as fades.
A “taper fade” simply mixes these ideas: it’s a taper that eventually goes to skin at the bottom. But whether you call it a taper or a fade, the key is where on your head the short part starts. A low taper fade still starts at the ears (just with shaved ends), and a high taper fade still starts at the temples.
Mid Tapers and Other Variations
For completeness, barbers also talk about mid tapers and other fade variations. A mid taper starts between a low and high taper – roughly at the temples or just above the ears. It’s the middle ground: more contrast than a low taper, but not as extreme as a high one.
Other common terms you might hear: tapered neckline, skin taper, drop fade. These are just extra options on how a taper is executed. The most important thing: when you say “low”, “mid”, or “high” taper, you are describing where that fade begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a low taper and a high taper?
A: A low taper starts “around the ears and neck,” giving a gentle fade. A high taper “starts near the crown of the head,” creating a strong contrast.
Q: What is a low taper fade?
A: A low taper fade is a variation of the low taper where the hair fades to skin level toward the neck and ears.
Q: What is a mid taper haircut?
A: A mid taper starts in between the low and high points – around the temples. It’s a moderate fade that’s not too subtle and not too extreme.
Q: How often should I get a taper cut?
A: Low tapers usually last 3–4 weeks between cuts. High tapers grow out quickly and often need touch-ups every 2–3 weeks.
Q: Which taper is better for my face shape?
A: High tapers add height and elongate round faces. Low tapers add structure without exaggerating features. Oval faces work well with either.
Q: Taper vs fade – which one is right?
A: Tapers are more subtle and don’t go to the skin. Fades often do. Choose based on how short and dramatic you want the haircut to be.
